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1/26/11

This week we'll be taking a look at the top 10 PF's in the NBA currently. This season we have seen several PF's take their game up to another level, some have seen their starts decrease, but still continue to produce efficient, while others have maintained the level of play we have seen from them in the last few years. There has also been a rookie PF who has taking the NBA by storm, and is giving us all a glimpse of the future of the position. But when it is all said and done, just who is the best PF in the league and who will be left out of this top 10? Let's find out.

1. Dirk Nowitzki ( 24.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.7 BPG)

Probably the most efficient and consistent of all current PF's, Dirk has once again shown that he's amongst the NBA's elite players. In his 13 seasons in the league he has averaged 21+ points in 11 on those season and has helped lead the Mavs to 10 straight seasons of 50+ wins. He is also one of the most clutch players in the league, first amongst PF's, and a annual All-Star. This season he is looking to lead the Mavs to another 50+ win season and their first franchise NBA championship. With his efficient play and the assistance of Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Tyson Chandler and Caron Butler(if he's back in time), the Mavs could be a solid contender come playoffs time, if they don't underachieve again.

2. Amar'e Stoudemire ( 26.1 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 2.3 BPG)

After leaving Phoenix in the offseason to sign with the Knicks, many questioned whether Amar'e would be able to play without Steve Nash or be as efficient without him. Those questions have quickly ceased because Amar'e has stepped out of Nash's shadow and shown that he doesn't need him to be a great player. Averaging career highs in points, assists and blocks this season, Amar'e along with Felton, Gallinari and Chandler have helped make the Knicks relevant again and have pushed them into playoff contention. Though they are a long-shot from being a title contender with the level of defense they play, or don't play, at least Amar'e has given Knick's fans something to cheer about again, that isn't the NBA draft.

3. Pau Gasol ( 18.6 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.9 BPG)

Since the Lakers acquired Gasol in the 2007-08 season they have gone on to win two NBA championships and have made three straight appearances to the NBA finals. After being called soft in that first finals appearance Gasol has responded and shown that he can be a physical player and a huge part of the Lakers success. With Kobe leading the way, Gasol and the Lakers are looking towards completing a 3-peat this season and the franchise's 17th championship. Who would have thought that in 4 seasons, Gasol would have been a 2-time NBA champion and on his way to being a 3-time champ.

4. Tim Duncan ( 13.6 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.0 BPG)

A 4-time NBA champion, 3-time Finals MVP, 2-time regular season MVP, 12 time All-Star, just to name a few of his accolades, Tim Duncan is as good as it gets. He can score, rebound and most importantly play defense. He is also the master of his patented off-the-backboard jumpshot. Even though he is currently averaging career lows in both points and rebounds, Duncan still remains a crucial part of the Spurs offense and along with Parker, Ginobli and a a huge supporting cast, plan on leading the spurs to their 5th franchise NBA title. Currently with the best record in the entire NBA the spurs are poised to doing just that, unless a team out West finds a way to get past them in the playoffs.

5. Kevin Garnett ( 15.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.7 BPG)

As the backbone to the Celtics defensive intensity, KG is probably the most intimidating PF to go up against. With his death-stare, ferociousness and well-known potty-mouth he can get under the skin of any opposing player, whether it be a PF or PG (just ask Jose Calderon) and it is this trait that makes him one of the bests at this position. And did I mention that he possesses a great offensive game. Though it seems like Shaq may be softening him a bit off the court and on the sidelines, he still remains a beast on the court on a nightly basis. The one thing that may hinder the Celtics hope of claiming another NBA title will be his health. If he can stay healthy they are almost a shoe-in to win the East, if they can get by the Heat and Magic that is, and head to the Finals once again.

6. Chris Bosh (18.6 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1,9 APG, 0.7 BPG)

Yes his stats have dropped significantly from last season, but what did we expect when he decided to take his talents to South Beach. Though some may say that he's just riding the coattails of Wade and Lebron, Bosh has been producing efficiently and is still one of the best at the PF position. With a lethal jumpshot that extends to three point range and the ability to use his quickness to get to the bucket and the FT line, Bosh is a match-up nightmare for many opposing players. If his rebounding numbers were in the 10+ range maybe he would have cracked the top 5 on this list, but for now he'll have to settle for 6th.

7. Carlos Boozer ( 19.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.4 BPG)

After missing a good portion of the first half of the season, Boozer has returned to show that he is indeed a top-notch PF in this league. In the 27 games he has played, he has recorded 17 double doubles and has proven to be a great compliment to Derrick Rose. With the Bulls off to their best start in years, Boozer, Rose and Noah plan on leading them to the NBA finals and winning the franchise's 1st championship since the MJ era in Chicago.

8. Blake Griffin (22.8 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 0.6 BPG)

After being out all of last season with an injury, this kid has shown this season that he is gonna be a star in this league. With the Rookie of the Year award already guaranteed to be his and already talk of him being an All-Star this season, Blake has a pretty bright future ahead of him, even if he does play for the Clippers, who have been playing better as of late. Currently 2nd overall in the league in double-doubles with 36, ahead of the likes of Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol, he has also shown that he can be a dominant rebounder in this league and has a pretty good offensive game which includes a jumper. If he keeps improving and the clippers keep that core of him, Gordon, Baron and the other young guys, it won't be too long until the Clippers will be known a a playoff contender and not "that other LA team."

9. LaMarcus Aldridge (21.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 BPG)

With the injuries to Brandon Roy and Greg Oden, just to name a few, the Blazers needed someone to step on and help carry the load and Aldridge did just that. Currently averaging career highs in points, rebounds and minutes, he has become a key part to this Blazers team. Like many of today's PF's his game revolves around his jumpshot, but he has the ability to get in the post and to the FT line with his quickness. With this only being his 5th season in the league he can still get better, and if Roy and Oden can regain their form, this Blazers team could make some noise in the West once again.

10. David West ( 19.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 BPG)

As a key part of the Hornets team, West is also starting to show that he can be a clutch player also and hitting several game winners this season with the most recent coming against OKC on Monday. Though his defense is not the greatest and there are nights when he can disappear in games, he is still a tough match-up for opposing PF's. Along with CP3 he has helped lead the Hornets to 9 straight victories in which they moved into the 5th seed out West. Come playoff time we'll see if he can keep up his performance, but as for now he remains one of the top PF's in the league.

We'll there you have it, the top 10 PF's currently in the NBA. Whether they are the go-to guy of just a complimentary player, these guys have shown that they can produce efficiently and effectively for their teams and play a huge role in the success of their respective teams. Stay tuned for next weeks installment.

1 comment:

Sorry, I disagree. Amar'e should be one right now, Alridge should be higher, and Zach Randolph and Kevin Love should be in there (does anybody else realize how good Kevin Love is? 21 ppg, 16 rpg, and a PER just shy of 25. Why does no one agree with me?)

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